Obituary of Teresa Thompson Small

Terri Thompson Small, MSN, EdD, RN, 61 of Morgantown, passed away Monday, June 24, 2019 at the University of Louisville Hospital.

Terri, daughter of the late Joseph W and Janet P Thompson, was born June 27, 1957 in Charleston, WV.

A graduate of WV Wesleyan College’s nursing program, Terri spent several years doing home health in Charleston, then moved to Morgantown to pursue her Master’s in nursing at WVU. During that time, she worked at Ruby Memorial Hospital, where she met her husband, Steve. She later earned an Ed.D. in Nursing Education so that she could teach.

An educator of nurses for almost 30 years, Terri took pride in her work as a professor at Waynesburg University.  A member of Sigma Theta Tau an international honor society of nursing, she organized and helped induct new nurses each year. She was a respected mentor and touched the lives of many students, patients, and colleagues.

Terri also had a heart for mission work. Over the years she led various trips taking her students to serve communities in Mexico and the Bahamas. She was active in the United Methodist Church and spent time volunteering as a nurse for Summer Youth Celebration (SYC) and Spring Heights.

Terri’s love and passion also came through in spending time with family and friends. She loved hosting family and did not hesitate to open their home for a holiday gathering, cookout, or simply a welcoming and safe place for anyone who needed it.

She looked forward to family reunions and catching up with her loved ones. She treasured moments spent with her nephew visiting during the summer and in recent years loving on her grandsons.

Terri cherished any occasion where she could reconnect with a childhood friend, spend a weekend laughing with her Zeta Tau Alpha sorority sisters, or gathering with her and Steve’s Morgantown friend group.

She was also a world traveler and enjoyed taking trips across the country and abroad. She was always eager to plan the next adventure whether it be to hike her beloved Colorado mountains, take trains through Europe, cruise the Mediterranean, or visit her daughter in Australia.

Terri is survived by her husband of 32 years, Steve; son, Eric Small (spouse Sarah), of Morgantown; daughter Rebecca Small of Melbourne; stepdaughter Rachel Small Stokes (spouse Leslie Small Stokes) of Louisville; brother Mike Thompson of Flagstaff; nephew Parker Thompson of Flagstaff; and two grandsons, Jack and Everett Small Stokes of Louisville, along with an abundance of extended family members. She was preceded in death by both her parents.

Terri will be remembered by her ability to connect with and care for individuals of all walks of life. Her love of other human beings and life was evident in her interactions with family, friends, and strangers alike.

Friends and family will be received at Suncrest United Methodist Church, 479 Van Voorhis Rd, Morgantown, on Friday, June 28^th from 5-8 PM and again on Saturday, June 29^th from 11 AM until the time of the funeral service at 1 PM, with Rev. Mike Estep and Rev. Matt Johnson officiating. In keeping with her wishes, cremation and a private internment ceremony will take place at a later time.

Hasting Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and online condolences may be made at https://hastingsfuneralhome.com/

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Suncrest United Methodist Church or the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).